Todd Bowles confirms suspicion regarding Mike Evans as Bucs begin practicing for Ravens

Mike Evans went to the locker room during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 51-27 romp over the New Orleans Saints last Sunday.  Fortunately, he was able to return to the game, but for those wondering if he's dealing with an ongoing injury issue, they would be correct.

Evans, who totaled 2 catches for 34 yards on 6 targets on Sunday, is dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him off the practice field on Thursday as the team gets ready for their Monday night showdown with the Baltimore Ravens at Raymond James Stadium.

According to his head coach, it's not something that initially occurred against New Orleans. Bowles noted during his press conference on Thursday that the injury is a "nagging" one.

"He tweaked his leg," Bowles said during his Thursday press conference. "He didn't practice today, but he's getting better.  We'll see how the week goes with him."

Given the report revealed the injury is a hamstring, which is one of the more lingering types of lower body injuries that there are, the fact it's continuing to be an issue isn't a surprise.

Beyond Evans, Jamel Dean was the only other Bucs starter to not be able to practice in some fashion on Thursday.  Dean is also dealing with a hamstring injury that he suffered against New Orleans.

In the good news department, center Graham Barton managed to get back on the practice field after dealing with his own hamstring injury that kept him out against the Saints. Rachaad White, Christian Izien, and Trey Palmer, all of whom missed the game as well, managed to work in limited practices.

A return to the field on Thursday in even a limited capacity would be a positive sign for Evans' availability in primetime against Baltimore.  We'll find out as the week goes on.